ESPN networks to air 21 regular-season matches in 2012

January 5, 20122:31PM EST

NEW YORK — The ESPN networks are set to broadcast 21 MLS regular-season matches in 2012, featuring some of the biggest games in the league.

ESPN and ESPN2 will split coverage of the 2012 season, beginning with the Portland Timbers' season-opening home match against the Philadelphia Union, and will proceed to broadcast the fiercest clashes, including the marquee tilt between defending Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup champs LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, the SuperClasico in Los Angeles, the Cascadia Cup derby and the rough-and-tough matches along I-95 in the East Coast.

ESPN2 will also carry the All-Star Game on Aug. 1.

ESPN continues its world-class live coverage of MLS with 21 regular-season games. The nine games on ESPN and 11 on ESPN2 will also be available on ESPN Deportes, ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes Radio. The May 4 Chivas USA vs. Chicago Fire game will be exclusively televised on ESPN Deportes.

In addition, ESPN and ESPN2 have seven windows in the summer in order to broadcast World Football Challenge matches involving MLS clubs.